The iTunes music store is the most popular music store, beating out retail stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. The only problem with the iTunes, in my opinion, is that the music is locked to the iTunes store and can only be used on the iPod; unless you download a DRM-free song. However, CNET is reporting that you may start see more DRM-free songs in iTunes.
A year after iTunes began offering music without copy protection software from EMI, Apple is in discussions with the other three top recording companies about acquiring DRM-free songs, according to two music industry sources.
The talks are still preliminary and no deals have been finalized, but one source said one of the major labels is close to a final agreement. Rumors have been swirling on the Internet for a week that Sony would soon be offering music without the controversial digital rights management software. My sources could not confirm this.
Apple has get more DRM-free music if they want to stay competitive with Amazon MP3 store; otherwise, Apple may not retain the position as the number 1 music store.